Rome and Athens Ancient Capitals Twin-Centre - 6 Nights

The Colosseum and the Acropolis in one trip, with all flights, a 4-star Rome hotel and a 5-star stay in Athens.

Discover the two great capitals of the classical world on this six-night twin-centre break with Skylord Travel. Start with three nights in Rome, where the Colosseum, the Roman Forum and the Pantheon stand among busy piazzas and trattorias. Marvel at Michelangelo's ceiling in the Sistine Chapel, toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain and finish your evenings with gelato in Piazza Navona.

A direct flight of around two hours then brings you to Athens for three nights. Climb to the Parthenon on the Acropolis, see the original sculptures in the Acropolis Museum and lose yourself in the lanes of Plaka and Monastiraki. With time for a sunset trip to Cape Sounion or the view from Lycabettus Hill, it's the perfect pairing for history lovers. Flights are arranged, with a 4-star hotel in Rome and a 5-star hotel in Athens.

Fly from the UK to Rome Fiumicino and make your way to your 4-star hotel for a 3-night stay. Take an evening stroll to the Trevi Fountain to toss in a coin, guaranteeing your return to Rome, then enjoy dinner at a local trattoria. Your hotel is well placed for exploring the historic centre on foot, with many of Rome's great sights within walking distance or a short metro ride.

Rome

In Rome you will be spoilt for choice in this infinitely intriguing city where an unsurpassed vibrancy of life mixes with epic history, tasty cuisine, top class shopping and a joyous nightlife. Peel back layer upon layer history with world class sights such as the Coliseum, The Roman Forum, the Trevi Fountain and more. The Pantheon is awe-inspiring dating back to 27 BC and is the only complete structure from the Roman Empire still standing.

The circus maximus once seated 250,000 spectators for chariot races around 11 BC. While the oval shape of Piazza Navona, which houses the magnificent Four River Fountain, is a clue to its Stadium of Domitian heritage from 86 AD were gladiators fought and athletes competed. The Spanish Steps, the home of John Keats, were built in 1723-1725 and are another of those must-see places – a place to sit and people watch artists, poets and painters.The best place to stay is in the centre of Rome close the train terminus which puts you within walking distance of many of the major attractions. Walking is the best option to enable you to unearth some unexpected sights, memorable moments and great photo opportunities.

Perhaps the warm aroma of a bakery and the handmade leather of a local craftsman. Seek out that tucked away piazza stuck in the 16th century criss-crossed with washing lines and adorned with colourful window boxesRome The Eternal City – so called because the Roman Empire thought that no matter what happened to the world, no matter how many other empires may rise and fall, Rome would go on forever. Rome is the accumulation of knowledge, art and war for innumerable generations.

Rome Was Not Built In A Day – dates back to the 12th Century referring to the fact that the development of Rome was slow and steady. That many centuries were required to make it the chief city of the world and that great things are not achieved without great patience and effort.

Hotel Napoleon

The Hotel Napoleon, a charming and elegant 4-star hotel, offers a tranquil escape in the heart of Rome. Enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi throughout, two internet points, and a large-screen Sky TV. Savor authentic Italian cuisine in the friendly atmosphere of the hotel's bar and restaurant. Housed in a grand 19th-century palace, the hotel's rooms and lounges offer a unique sense of quiet, overlooking large, sunny internal courtyards. Located in Piazza Vittorio Emanuele, the hotel boasts a strategic position near Termini Central Station. Rooms are fully equipped with modern technologies while retaining a warm, old-fashioned charm, thanks to elegant fabrics and antique-style furnishings.

Step inside the Colosseum, the vast amphitheatre of ancient Rome, then walk the Via Sacra through the Roman Forum and climb the Palatine Hill for views across the ruins. In the afternoon, visit the Pantheon and finish with an aperitivo in Piazza Navona. Book Colosseum tickets in advance, as timed entry slots sell out, especially in spring and summer.

Spend the morning in the Vatican Museums, ending in the Sistine Chapel beneath Michelangelo's ceiling, then enter St Peter's Basilica. Later, cross the Tiber to the cobbled lanes of Trastevere for dinner. The Vatican Museums are closed on most Sundays, so plan your visit accordingly. Smart dress covering shoulders and knees is required in St Peter's.

Head to Fiumicino for your direct flight of around two hours to Athens, then continue to your 5-star hotel for a 3-night stay. Spend your first evening in the Plaka district, dining at a taverna beneath the floodlit Acropolis. Plaka sits at the foot of the Acropolis, a maze of neoclassical houses, little churches and shops selling local crafts.

Athens

Athens, the historic capital of Greece, is a city where ancient wonders meet modern vibrancy. Known as the cradle of Western civilization, Athens boasts iconic landmarks like the Acropolis, Parthenon, Temple of Poseidon and Athena, Odeon Herodus of Atticus, the Theatre of Dionysos and the Temple of Olympian Zeus. Visitors can explore world-class museums, stroll through Plaka's charming streets, and savour authentic Greek cuisine. With its rich history, cultural treasures, and lively atmosphere, Athens is a must-visit destination for Mediterranean cruise travellers.

Divani Caravel Hotel

Fusing contemporary luxury with imitable elegance, Divani Caravel is a stunning hotel located in one of the city's most vibrant neighbourhoods. Combining upscale style with elegant city living, our stylish decor, excellent facilities and fantastic service create a first-class experience and the perfect home away from home. Located just minutes away from all major cultural points and attractions it is definitely your perfect base to explore the beautiful city of Athens.

Climb the Acropolis early to beat the heat and crowds and stand before the Parthenon, the Erechtheion and its Caryatids. Then visit the Acropolis Museum at the foot of the hill, where a glass-walled top floor faces the Parthenon itself. In summer, visit the Acropolis first thing in the morning, when it is cooler and quieter.

Explore the Ancient Agora and the well-preserved Temple of Hephaestus, then browse the flea market of Monastiraki and watch the Evzones guard change outside the Parliament on Syntagma Square. Later, join an optional coastal excursion to the Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion for sunset over the Aegean, or climb Lycabettus Hill for sunset views across the city. Cape Sounion lies around 70 km south of Athens along the coast road.

Enjoy a final Greek breakfast, then head to Athens airport for your flight home to the UK. Depending on your flight time, there may be time for a final coffee in a café on Syntagma Square or a last wander through Monastiraki before you leave.

Origin Trip Start Date Trip End Date Price
Gatwick 30/10/26 Friday 05/11/26 Thursday £959 View
Gatwick 31/10/26 Saturday 06/11/26 Friday £859 View
Gatwick 04/11/26 Wednesday 10/11/26 Tuesday £849 View
Gatwick 06/11/26 Friday 12/11/26 Thursday £859 View
Gatwick 07/11/26 Saturday 13/11/26 Friday £859 View
Gatwick 11/11/26 Wednesday 17/11/26 Tuesday £779 View
Gatwick 14/11/26 Saturday 20/11/26 Friday £1029 View
Gatwick 18/11/26 Wednesday 24/11/26 Tuesday £699 View
Gatwick 20/11/26 Friday 26/11/26 Thursday £799 View
Gatwick 21/11/26 Saturday 27/11/26 Friday £1019 View
All monies paid are covered under the ATOL with number 3550.